Olivia roamed around her condo making sure she had not forgotten anything that she would need for the day. After double-checking, she sat down at her kitchen island and searched through her large beach bag. In there she found her beach towel, sunscreen, a book, a change of clothes for the evening. Every San Francisco native knew that the weather could change on the drop of a dime. Therefore, Olivia had packed a pair of leggings, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a pair of tennis shoes for the evening. She had sent a reminder to everyone coming today to prepare for the cool evening weather as well since they planned to be out well into the evening. Once she was truly satisfied she had everything, she went and plopped down on her couch. Checking her watch, she knew she had another 30 minutes before Fitz would be stopping by to gather her thing and load them in the car. The cooler was already waiting by the door. Glancing out the bay window, she smiled at the blue sky thinking how fortunate they were to get such a clear day. She held out hope that the fog would not roll in so thick in the evening and they would actually be able to see the fireworks.
Fitz had been up early. He was excited for today's outing. He loved the water, and mix that with family and fireworks and it was set to be an awesome day. He knew that the park would be crowded early so they had planned to arrive early so they could get the perfect spot. They wanted an area where they could bbq, but also have plenty room for the kids to play. In addition, they all planned to take a dip in the ocean. That is exactly how they decided on Crissy Fields over Aquatic Park. There had been a big debate amongst the adults over which spot would be best for everyone. Aquatic park would have the beach access and the be a great viewing area, but it wouldn't allow for the bbq'ing and grass for the kids to run around on. Fitz looked at all the bags piled by the door and flashed back to the shopping adventure he went on yesterday.
Flashback:
He should have known going to Costco with Abby and Liv would be a disaster. Stephen roped him into joining them. When they got into Costco, they said they would divide and conquer. He and Stephen headed to the meat section. They looked at the steaks, chicken, hotdogs and turkey burgers. After filling up their cart, they made their way to the refrigerated section picking up large packs of mixed greens, a veggie platter and two fruit bowls. They figured that would be enough. They also grabbed some rolls, buns and bread. They could not imagine what the ladies were picking up. Off in search for them in the big warehouse they went. When they found the ladies, they were both sitting in folding camping chairs testing them out.
"What are you two doing?" Fitz asked.
Liv's head snapped in the direction of his voice.
"Just testing out these chairs. I think they would be good to have for tomorrow. I don't own one and I know my sister has all this kind of stuff since they go camping."Liv replied.
Waving her arm for Fitz to come over she said, "Here test this out and see if this is comfortable to you."
Fitz walked over and sat in the chair Olivia vacated. He had to admit it was comfortable and would be great when it was time for the fireworks. Earlier in the day, he planned to lounge on the blanket in the grass and grab some sun. As Fitz, rested back in the chair Olivia came and sat on his lap. Raking her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck, she asked if he liked this chair. If so, they would pick up two.
Wiggling his eyebrow Fitz said "Or we could just get one and do this all day." Causing Olivia to blush and giggle like a schoolgirl.
Abby scrunching up her face said, "Get a room."
Stephen made his way over and Abby let him test out the chair. Stephen agreed to the purchase and picked up two matching colored chairs to place in his cart.
Fitz grabbed two of the opposite color and placed them in the cart where he had all the other items. Inspecting the ladies basket, it contained two packs of condiments, cutlery, and napkins. They had a few more things to pick up and they were leaving the store.
Present:
Calling Liv, he made sure she was ready. She was and he loved that about her. His girl was punctual. He told her that he would load up the car and then he would come carry her things to the car. First Fitz grabbed all the bags. Next, he grabbed the cooler and put it in the back of his SUV. Lastly, he ran upstairs, grabbed the bags of ice, and placed them in the cooler.
Heading up the steps to Olivia's place, he saw the door was open and knocked lightly. He heard a voice say come in, but it was not from Olivia. He stepped across the threshold and saw Joseph in the kitchen. He had dropped off one of Mrs. Pope's famous apple pies. He looked at the sweet treat sitting on the counter just as Joseph was about to cover it with foil.
Joseph grinned "Son if you even think about cutting this before my daughter gives the go ahead it will spell disaster for you. That one is just like her mother. She already has it mapped out when the perfect time to eat that pie is. Believe me son; just let her take the lead on the dessert and you man the grill."
Fitz just smiled and nodded appreciating the advice. He knew how good that pie is, but he will not even think about it until Olivia brings it up.
Speaking of Olivia, out she walks from the back of her place. Stepping into the living room, she spots Fitz standing at the island talking to her dad. Walking over to him, she pecks his lips. Fitz smiles hugging her to his body.
"You all ready?" he ask.
"Yep, oh did you see my mom made us a pie to enjoy today." Liv beamed while her hand rubbed up and down Fitz back.
"I did. I cannot wait to enjoy it. Let me know when you are ready to bring it out. We'll keep it out of view until then." Fitz stated.
"That's a great idea. We would not want anyone digging into it before we eat our food. "Liv stated.
That earned an eye exchange between Joseph and Fitz. It did not go unnoticed by Olivia.
"What was that?" waving her hand back and forth between Fitz and her dad.
Joseph chuckled "Have fun you two. Enjoy your day you mother and I along with your parents enjoy our outing on the water. Hopefully the fog stays away and we'll all get to see the fireworks." All the while, he was making his way to the door. He would leave Fitz to deal with interrogator Olivia Pope.
Once the door shut, Fitz placed a firm kiss on Olivia's lips. Effectively killing the next question on her lips. Once they broke apart, he said let us get this stuff loaded and go claim our spot.
An hour after claiming the perfect spot. Putting out the blankets she and Fitz will use. Setting up their chairs and placing items on both picnic tables so people realizing those two were taken Abby and Stephen arrived. The look on Stephen's face says it all. Of course, they were late and everyone knew it was because of Abby. She was slow as molasses. I do not know how Olivia a stickler for time could be best friends with the total opposite, but somehow they made it work. The redhead walked over with a large beach tote and another bag in her arms while her husband pulled one of those wagons loaded with everything else.
Sitting one bag on the table, Abby removes a large bowl of potato salad and instructs Stephen find the cooler so she can put it on ice and out of the sun. Abby went over and found the blankets she and Stephen hand brought and laid them both out next to Liv's. They had a relatively large space covered. She thought her brother, sister in law and kids would probably lay out their items to the left of them and then couple that with Sam, her husband and kids along with Harrison and his new girlfriend they would have a large space all to themselves.
The area Fitz selected and she had no doubt he picked this spot was nicely shaded, but also partially in the sun. The picnic tables were closer to a large oak tree so the food would not be sitting in direct sun. He had also arranged one of the blankets close enough to be partially shaded. Fitz did not do well in the sun. He burned quickly as did she. Which was the reason Abby had placed their blankets in the location she had. She also was seeking that all illusive shade.
Liv sat in the chair next to Abby's which was technically Stephen's and lifted her sunglasses and gave her bestie a look over.
"Don't you look cute." Liv smiled.
"I could say the same about you. I love your outfit." Abby returned.
The women gabbed and people watched. It seems several families had the same idea of getting there early. Each seeking the best spot. They had quickly made friends with their grass neighbors when a short petite woman came over asking if they had any extra napkins as she had forgotten to pack them and did not want to have to call and ask their guest to stop at the store. Of course, they had napkins. They had gone to Costco and bought a huge pack of them. They had also packed a few of rolls of paper towels. They gave her a roll of paper towels and a stack of napkins hoping that would last her and her group for the day. To say the woman was grateful was an understatement. She came back with a store bought pack of cupcakes as a token of appreciation.
Soon everyone from their group had arrived and greetings and hugs had been exchanged between all the adults, nieces and nephews. Bobby said he would help Fitz operate the grill when he was ready to start cooking. Fitz told him to relax for a little bit. They would start the grilling in about 30 minutes.
Taking a seat on the blanket Fitz leaned back against Liv's leg. Leaning his head back with his eyes closed he took a quick nap. Fitz could fall asleep anywhere. It did not matter that the kids were running around and making loud noise. Liv taking her fingers through his hair lightly grazing his scalp relaxed him even more. Liv let her man get some rest. It was going to be a long day.
Sam sat across from those two with a smile on her face watching the exchange between the two. When Liv caught her sister watching them with a smile on her face she smiled back. Sam had not seen her sister so relaxed and happen. It was good to see. She had that look of love. She was truly happy for those two and had no doubt it would last. Her thoughts were interrupted by her youngest asking when could they go swimming. She told Sophie they would swim in a little while. How about she relax for a little bit.
Sophie looked for her Aunt Livvie and spotted her sitting rubbing Mr. Fitz hair. She went over to her and asked if she wanted to play with the Kite she brought with her. Of course, Olivia could not turn down Sophie.
"Sure Sophie, go get the kite ready and I'll be right there."
Taking off running Sophie asked her mom to get the kite out of the bag for her.
Kissing the top of Fitz head Liv said duty calls.
Patting her calf Fitz said "Enjoy." He rose up to get and start warming up the grill.
As he set up everything Bobby and Stephen came over to help.
Loud laughing and giggling caught his attention. Turning around he was drawn in by the site before him. Sophie and Liv were trying to keep their kite up. Olivia was standing behind Sophie helping her hold the handle. They were guiding the string up and down. The wind was blowing in their hair and they had the look of pure joy on their face.
He was so enthralled by the moment they were sharing he did not even hear Stephen talking to him.
Both Bobby and Stephen patted him on the shoulder. They just chuckled at him. He was so far gone.
In that moment, Fitz could see his life in the near future. Liv as his wife and being nurturing with their kids. She would be an amazing mother.
After the food was done, they all sat around and ate. The kids played games and everyone took turns taking a dip the ocean. When Olivia got ready to go in the water, Fitz joined her. They spent time splashing each other, embracing and kissing. They were touchy feely shielded by the water.
"Do you know how beautiful you look in that swimsuit?"
"About as good as you look in those swim trunks."
"I can't wait to make our own fireworks tonight"
Reaching down Olivia squeezed his butt and whispered in his ear she cannot wait to light his fuse. Her hand moved around and caressed his manhood.
Fitz bit down on her shoulder to stifle the moan. When he looked over her shoulder, he saw Abby and Stephen a few feet away swaying back and forth in the water embraced together.
As the day turned to night and the sun set, it became cooler and everyone bundled up.
Sam and Liv made homemade hot chocolate on the grill for everyone. They all sat around waiting for the fireworks to begin. The display was spectacular and there were oohhs and ahhs heard all around.
It was truly a fantastic day filled with family, food, and fun.
